Whether you’re living with a friend or a stranger, you’ll want to speak with your new roommate about dorm supplies before college move-in day. So maybe you’re curious about whichpostersorcollegebeddingyour roommate has chosen for dorm decor purposes … but there are, believe it or not, some more pressing matters to discuss!

A
residence office can also tell you what, if any, appliances come with
your dorm room. Many freshman dorms don’t come with mini-fridges or
microwaves, but some do, so it’s certainly worth asking about. It’s more
common that upperclassmen dorms have such appliances included, but
perhaps your school is extra generous! For the large, must-have dorm
appliances like mini-fridges and microwaves, it’s often best to divide
the load between you and your roommate. If your roommate’s bringing the
fridge, you can offer to bring a microwave and ... an essential coffeemaker for college! Actually, it might be the case that your roommate
doesn’t drink coffee, which makes this pre-move-in discussion so
valuable, as you can find out which college supplies you might not need.

There
are a range of other dorm accessories that can be shared too. For
example, you might bring a fan for the room on those hot days. Keep your
new roommate posted, so that way he doesn’t end up stealing a fan from
his basement only to discover you have a shiny new one ready and
waiting. But whether it’s an ironingboard for college or a coffee
maker, start things off on the right foot and offer to share! There’s no
use in telling your roommate you’ll be bringing something and then not
wanting him to use it. C’mon, that’s a lesson you should have learned in
kindergarten.

It’s
also not a bad idea to discuss the layout of your dorm room. Do you
guys plan to bunk your beds, or keep them separate? Bunking, of course,
means you’ll have more floor space, yet it also means you’ll have to be
extra prepared with your dorm supplies. For example, if you’ll be on the
top bed, you’ll need abedsideshelf if you want any sort of
nightstand. You also might have to plan for limited underbed storage if
your roommate plans to use that space. Or, maybe you guys can share that
space—that’s why discussing all of this is critical!

Whether
you guys connect on Facebook or actually talk on the phone, it’s
essential to discuss these dorm-room arrangements before move-in day.
It’ll make dorm living only easier, and it’s a great way to get to know
your roommate a bit before you move in!